Jack Of All Trades: 5.3 Turbo Swapped '80 Malibu

Over the last few years, we’ve seen 5.3 liter V8 swaps becoming more and more popular – and for good reason.

These engines respond extremely well to boost, or other bolt-ons, and their construction from the factory is designed to be very compact – two traits which make GM’s small V8 a fantastic engine for swapping into any platform. Add to that that these were the cornerstone engine of the GM truck market for over a decade, making them plentiful in used form.

Recently, we’ve seen a new trend emerge by LS swapping early model Malibus, like this 6.0 liter LS swapped ’78 Malibu we saw at this year’s LS Fest. Nevertheless, we quickly began to realize why this trend was starting to become popular. There’s no question about it that the earlier Malibu models are total sleepers wherever they go – making them the perfect platform for one quick car you never saw coming. That’s why we had to share this turbocharged 5.3 liter V8 swapped ’80 Malibu when we came across its for sale ad on LS1tech.com.

When it comes to tasteful modifications, you can crown this Malibu king. The stock 5.3 liter swapped V8 utilizes a Garret GT45 80mm turbocharger, a Trick Flow turbo camshaft, a complete MSD ignition setup, and a Holley E85 compatible carburetor sits on top of an Edelbrock intake manifold.

Built for the street, the strip, and the occasional face-melting surprise from light to light, this sleeper Malibu uses a TH350 automatic transmission and is equipped with a stall converter, and a custom fuel cell for the E85 fuel setup. If it weren’t for the inlet plumbing sticking up through the cut hood, this car would look like just another grandpa malibu, garage kept, and only driven to the corner grocery store. Alas, it is so much more than that.

The seller is located in California, and is asking $12,000 for this ultimate early 80s ride. And for those of you in another state or across the pond, the seller is willing to negotiate for world-wide-shipping. You can check out the ad here.